Page 77 of LA Reign

“So, what do you say?” Bobby pushes.

I swallow. “I’ll have to think about it.”

“What’s stopping you? This could be huge. It’s the perfect challenge for someone as smart as you. Or don’t you want a challenge?” Bobby says, his smile even more smug now.

“I’m busy is all, Bobby. I have a lot going on in my life. Personal issues. Developing an app with you might be a little too much to take on right now, that’s all. Kristen could help, or one of the other team members. As you’re doing this for the social good, I’m sure it’s not dependent on me, is it?”

He looks a little flummoxed now, and I feel a sense of satisfaction.

“Well, think about it, won’t you?” Kristen says. “Please? I think you’d be the best person for the job, Alana.”

“Me too,” Bobby adds, nodding enthusiastically.

“Yes, of course I’ll think about it. Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I have some calls to make.”

I walk out of the office and take a deep breath. What the hell is Bobby playing at?

“Everything okay?” Hugo asks as joins me.

“For now,” I reply.

“Who was that?” he asks as we walk back toward my office. “That guy in the office. Did Kristen say he was an old friend of yours?”

“Yes,” I say with a sigh as I rub the back of my neck. “He’s also an old boyfriend.”

“Oh,” Hugo replies. “That’s…not good.”

“Don’t worry Hugo, I’ll tell him myself.” I know exactly what’s on his mind, and I understand.

“I know you will, but…”

“But you’ll have to tell him anyway? I get it.”

“More than my job’s worth not to, Alana. You know that. I’m sure he’ll be totally fine with you working with your ex-boyfriend,” he says with a quirk of his eyebrows. He can be so deadpan sometimes. I snort out a laugh, even though the situation is far from amusing.

“Yeah, right. Of course he will. Anyway, I don’t even know if I am going to work with him yet. I’m trying to work out what his angle is.”

“I have every faith in you, Alana. How about I make us that fresh coffee while you think on it,” he says as we reach my office.

“That would be great. Thanks, Hugo.”

Fifteen minutes later, I’m setting up some new spreadsheets, and Hugo is looking out of the window a little bored, when there’s a knock on my open office door. I look up to see Bobby standing there.

“Hey, Alana, can we talk?” he asks.

Hugo turns around and gives him the full Navy SEAL glare. Alejandro-by-proxy.

“Hugo, can you give us a few minutes please?” I ask with a sigh.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Alana,” he replies, his eyes narrowed.

“It’s just a few minutes. You can wait right outside. I’m not going to climb out the window.”

“Fine,” he snaps as he stalks toward the door.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her,” Bobby adds with a grin. He’s trying to be cute, but he gets more than he bargained for. Hugo fixes him with his stare. Bobby does well not to pass out.

“Yeah? You lay one finger on her, you upset her in any way, and I will break every bone in your body, cabrón,” he snarls as he walks out of the room and slams it behind him.